Opinion

SICKENING HEALTH-CARE RX: SAY GOODBYE TO FREEDOM

Why are the supposed guardians of liberty unconcerned about the president’s efforts to destroy America’s capitalist system (“It’s a Job Killer,” Michael Tanner, PostOpinion, July 16)?

Doesn’t anyone realize that the cap-and-trade legislation, along with the government health-care program, will bankrupt the nation and kill jobs by the millions?

If these programs are enacted, the republic will be changed from one committed to individual liberty and freedom to one that will control every aspect of our personal lives.

Are you prepared to become a serf in your own country?

Robert Simone

Port Washington

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Don’t have health insurance? No problem, just steal from your neighbor.

In the long run, this will save more money than if the Democrats have to steal it for you.

James Green

Midway, Utah

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Your otherwise excellent article overlooks what is quite a perverse incentive in the plan.

The plan imposes an 8 percent tax on small businesses that don’t have coverage for employees.

I have a $150,000 annual payroll, and I pay $36,000 per year in health-insurance premiums for my employees. Under Obama’s plan, I am better off canceling the health plan, paying the $12,000 penalty for not having a health-insurance plan and telling my employees to get their healthcare from the new government program.

I’d save $24,000. In effect, Obama’s plan encourages greed on my part.

And if enough employers do this, won’t there be an end to private health insurance entirely? Then again, that may be the whole objective.

Dave Wilkes

Manhattan

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One day, I went to sleep in America, where, with all of its faults, at least I could afford to work and live and I had freedom.

Today, I woke up in the old communist Russia, with rationed health care looming, government-controlled banks, businesses and auto companies, threats of penalties to private business owners and a government-manipulated media.

Everyone was in love with Obama, and no one questioned anything about the young, cool, hip, rock-star.

We are not even a year in, and Obama has taken an economic slump and turned it into a depression. He put the government’s hand in every aspect of private life, ignored the Constitution and now wants to institute more taxes for rationed, government-controlled health care.

This is one disaster that will not and cannot be changed back once it is in place.

Linda O’Berrigan

Montclair, NJ

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It doesn’t matter what the American people want. Our new administration is going to shove it down our throats, whether it is good or not.

Jane Isabella

Johnstown

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I’m an ordinary citizen, now retired, and I must admit that none of what Obama says about health care applies to me, and I don’t think I’m alone.

I was employed in the private sector for over 50 years and never had a problem getting health care since I always participated in my employer’s group plan and paid premiums.

Now, because I’m over 65, I have mandatory Medicare. My out-of-pocket costs are more than I paid during my working years, but that’s understandable, because any government program costs more.

Overall, I continue to be satisfied with my health care.

If Obama wants to give coverage to people who don’t have it, why doesn’t he just put them on Medicaid and be done with it?

Leave the rest of us alone.

Jane Kenny

Sun City, SC

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If government-run health insurance is good enough for America, shouldn’t it be good enough for Congress?

With its bloated salaries, let Congress chip in for ObamaCare.

Cavid Reniewich

Brooklyn